Does the SIR process require OTPs according to ECI?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has issued a crucial clarification regarding the ongoing SIR process, dispelling rumors about OTP requests. This clarification comes in response to reports of fraudulent activities aimed at deceiving voters. As the SIR unfolds in West Bengal, political tensions remain high, raising questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Key Takeaways
- No OTPs are required for the SIR process, as clarified by ECI.
- The SIR process commenced on November 4 and is ongoing.
- Political tensions are high regarding the SIR in West Bengal.
- Voters should remain vigilant against scams related to OTP requests.
- The three-stage SIR process is expected to conclude by March of next year.
Kolkata, Nov 17 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified on Monday that neither the Commission nor the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of any state requests any one-time password (OTP) via mobile numbers for tasks associated with the ongoing special intensive revision (SIR) being carried out in 12 Indian states and Union Territories, including West Bengal.
An insider from the West Bengal CEO's office stated that this clarification was issued due to complaints received by the Commission regarding certain individuals attempting to solicit such OTPs from voters, falsely claiming it was essential for the ongoing SIR.
"The Commission believes this is a new tactic aimed at misleading the public and extracting money from voters. Following numerous complaints, booth-level officers have been advising voters about this potential OTP-related scam while distributing enumeration forms. Now, the Commission has opted to provide an official clarification on the issue," the insider explained.
The distribution of enumeration forms, which marks the first phase of the three-stage SIR process, commenced on November 4.
During this stage, BLOs are visiting homes to hand out two copies of the enumeration form to voters and subsequently collect one copy.
The full three-stage SIR process is expected to conclude by March of next year.
The last SIR in West Bengal took place in 2002.
The voters' list of 2022 serves as the basis for the current SIR.
Unlike in other states, the SIR process in West Bengal has been surrounded by political controversies.
On one side, the Trinamool Congress has characterized the SIR as a scheme by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Union government to enforce the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in West Bengal.
Conversely, the BJP asserts that the Trinamool Congress's opposition to the revision effort stems from their fear of having the names of illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya voters removed from the voters' list.
Point of View
The Election Commission's clarification is a vital step in maintaining transparency and voter security. It's essential that voters remain informed and vigilant against potential scams. The political controversies surrounding the SIR process highlight the need for a fair electoral environment, ensuring every citizen's right to vote is safeguarded.
NationPress
17/11/2025
